Stone Town, Zanzibar – The Santuri Project, a three-year plan to revitalize the music industry in East Africa, funded and coordinated by HIVOS, announces a special line-up of DJ-centered workshops, performances, and networking opportunities to be held in conjunction with the Sauti za Busara festival 12-16 February, 2014.

“We are really excited to open the Santuri Project at Sauti za Busara this year. It’s a chance to take a look at what’s happening with DJ culture in East Africa right now, and should provide some exciting pointers to how the scene and music will develop from here. It’s clear the role of DJs and electronic music is growing all the time in the region, and this is a great time to celebrate that fact”, said Project Coordinator David Tinning. “It’s also a opportunity to bring together musicians and DJs to work together, and begin to develop a truly contemporary East African sound for the dance floor”.

Two workshops will be held concurrently 12-14 February: the first workshop, is geared toward industry professionals interested in learning more about new music technologies and new marketing strategies. SoundThread’s Sam Jones will lead thesecond workshop, aimed at DJs, producers and sound engineers. Participants in this workshop will learn more about ways to create DJ-centric tracks that reflect a local identity, style or culture. Specialist input from internationally renowned musicians, producers, DJs and singers who have gathered for the Sauti za Busara festival will be provided for the benefit of all participants in both workshops.

In addition to the workshops, several events will be held at the festival, including Sunset Sessions (DJ performances at sunset each evening that will be live-streamed to the web) and official after-parties designed to showcase East African and global DJ culture to Sauti za Busara festival audiences. DJs participating in the Santuri Safari will have the chance to spin at one of our many festive events, alongside internationally renowned guests.

Produced by the cultural NGO Busara Promotions, Sauti za Busara is widely recognized as one of East Africa’s biggest and best-loved festivals, known for showcasing emerging local and regional talents alongside Africa’s top established acts. The 11th edition will take place during 13-16 February 2014 in Stone Town’s historic Old Fort. This year, the festival is headlined by Ebo Taylor (Ghana), Jupiter and Okwess International (DRC), and Sona Jobarteh (Gambia/UK). Tanzanian/Zanzibari acts include Reggae star Jhikoman, Hoko Roro, Seven Survivor, Tausi Women’s Taarab, Swahili Vibes, and many more. Tickets are available online at www.busaramusic.org.